Iraqi prison abuses may qualify as war crimes: UNHCR

"Willful killing, torture or inhuman treatment, if committed against detainees protected by international humanitarian law constitute a grave breach" and such acts might be "designated as war crimes by a competent tribunal," it said.

It also asks the Iraqi interim government, which is to take over on June 30, to ensure that abuses do not occur. "The serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law that have taken place must not be allowed to recur. Preventive and protection systems must be put in place."

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In its comments on the report, the United States has stated that it is "particularly concerned about these allegations" which it considers "extreme and inconsistent with other reports" but promised to investigate the charges.

The report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights notes that leaders of the countries concerned have condemned rights violations and have pledged to bring those responsible to justice.

But "it is imperative that this be done, with accountability to the international community," it asserted and called for appointment of an international ombudsman on human rights and humanitarian law.